"While we are flattered by your focus on our blog and your
apparent fondness for its name, we obviously cannot permit you to
adopt a name whose sole purpose is to create an association in
the minds of readers with our ‘Motherlode’ blog," New York Times
Co. lawyer Richard Samson in a letter addressed to Huffington
obtained by John Koblin.

The Times filed for a trademark earlier this week, but claim that
the rights start from three years ago when "Motherlode" launched.

From what we can tell, the Times has a good case. But isn't that
besides the point?

Parentlode is a terrible name for a blog. It's ugly, unspecific,
and not worth fighting for.

We enjoy Belkin's writing and look forward to her work at the
Huffington Post. She's plenty good enough to use her existing
name to build another brand. Why doesn't she just do that?